At Least 125 People Are Dead in Indonesian Soccer Stampede
Written by SOURCE on October 2, 2022
At least 125 people are dead after a crowd stampede erupted Saturday night during a soccer match at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, Indonesia.
As reported by the New York Times, local officials initially confirmed the death toll to be 174, but have since reduced the number. Supports of Persebaya Surabaya and Arema FC clashed following the match, prompting police to fire tear gas, which triggered a stampede that left many trampled and suffocated.
More than 300 people were injured, in what is one of the deadliest events in sporting history. The tragedy is only eclipsed by a 1964 stampede that left 328 people killed during a Peru-Argentina Olympic qualifier in Lima.
“The football world is in a state of shock following the tragic incidents that have taken place in Indonesia at the end of the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya at the Kanjuruhan Stadium,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in an official statement.
He continued, “This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following this tragic incident. Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time.”
